How to Get a Job as a Mental Health Professional

Metal health professionals provide support to various types of people in different stages of life

Mental Health Professionals play a critical role in supporting individuals’ emotional and psychological well-being. They provide therapy, counseling, and clinical support for people experiencing mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, with about 71,500 job openings each year【source: BLS】.

Entry-Level Requirements for Mental Health Professionals

To launch a career as a Mental Health Professional, you typically need:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or counseling is the first step. Most clinical roles require a master’s degree in counseling, clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, or social work. Doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) are needed for psychologists in clinical practice.

Certifications & Licenses: Licensure is required in most states for clinical practice. Examples include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Psychologist. Certifications such as National Certified Counselor (NCC) may also enhance career prospects.

Experience: Supervised clinical hours, internships, and residencies are mandatory for licensure and skill development.

Expected Salary for Mental Health Professionals

• Entry-Level: $45,000–$55,000 annually

• Mid-Level: $55,000–$75,000 annually

• Senior-Level: $75,000–$100,000+ annually

The median annual wage for mental health counselors in the U.S. is $49,710, though psychologists and psychiatrists earn significantly more depending on specialization【source: BLS】.

Skills and Abilities Needed to Excel

• Empathy and active listening skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities

• Knowledge of psychological theories and therapeutic techniques

• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills

• Cultural competence and sensitivity

Is Mental Health Work Suitable for Introverts or Extroverts?

Mental health careers can suit both. Introverts may excel in one-on-one therapy or research-based roles, while extroverts often thrive in group therapy, outreach, and community-based services. Success depends more on empathy, patience, and resilience than personality type.

Top 5 Degree Programs with Best ROI for Mental Health Professionals

1. Columbia University – MA in Counseling Psychology

2. University of Southern California – Master of Social Work (MSW)

3. New York University – Counseling and Guidance Program

4. University of Michigan – MSW Program

5. Boston University – PhD in Counseling Psychology

Can You Become a Mental Health Professional Without a Degree?

No. Clinical mental health roles require at least a master’s degree and state licensure. However, individuals can work in support roles—such as case managers, peer support specialists, or crisis hotline operators—without an advanced degree, while pursuing further education.

Five Jobs Similar to Mental Health Professional

• Clinical Psychologist

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

• Substance Abuse Counselor

Top Ten Recruitment Agencies for Mental Health Roles

1. Barton Associates

2. CompHealth

3. LocumTenens.com

4. Jackson & Coker

5. Aya Healthcare

6. Maxim Healthcare Staffing

7. Med Travelers

8. AMN Healthcare

9. Cross Country Healthcare

10. PsychPros

Top Ten Employers Hiring Mental Health Professionals

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

• Kaiser Permanente

• Mayo Clinic

• Cleveland Clinic

• UnitedHealth Group

• HCA Healthcare

• CVS Health (MinuteClinic and Aetna Behavioral Health)

• NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

• Providence Health & Services

• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

Top Startups Hiring Mental Health Professionals

• Talkspace (online therapy)

• BetterHelp (virtual counseling)

• Headway (mental health provider network)

• Ginger (Headspace Health) (on-demand coaching and therapy)

• Cerebral (mental health subscription services)

• Brightside Health (telepsychiatry and therapy)

• Lyra Health (employee mental health benefits platform)

• Spring Health (mental wellness programs)

• Modern Health (mental health for employees)

• Mindstrong (digital mental health tools)

Mental Health Professionals are essential to addressing the growing demand for accessible mental health care. With proper education, licensure, and dedication, this career offers strong job security, meaningful impact, and opportunities in clinical practice, research, and telehealth. Learn about other high-demand jobs over the next decade here.